Exploring Java aboard KA Mataram: A Different Way to Enjoy the Weekend

For many people, weekends are the perfect moment to go travelling. The Mataram Train serving the Pasar Senen - Solo Balapan route does more than just take passengers to their destination: it delivers a full Travel Experience from the moment the train departs Jakarta.

KA Mataram passes through a series of cities renowned for their culture, history, culinary heritage, and leading Tourist Destinations. This journey gives passengers the chance to witness the many different faces of Java Island along one long, enjoyable travel route.

From Jakarta, the train travels first to Cirebon, a coastal city that holds the Cultural Heritage of the Cirebon Sultanate. This city is home to well-loved popular attractions including Kasepuhan Palace, Kanoman Palace, and the Trusmi Batik District, the main centre for authentic Cirebon batik shopping. Not to be missed, the signature coastal culinary delights of northern Java are also a major draw for visitors here.

The journey then enters the Banyumas region, with Purwokerto as one of its key stops. This city is known as the gateway to the Baturraden tourist area, located on the slopes of Mount Slamet. Cool mountain air and sweeping natural scenery have made this area one of Central Java's most Favourite Destinations.

After that, the train continues through Kroya, Kebumen and Kutoarjo. Along this entire stretch, passengers are treated to relaxing, picturesque natural landscapes. Travellers will pass the Kebumen Geopark area, Menganti Beach with its open ocean views, right through to the rolling Menoreh Hills on the border between Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Once crossing into Yogyakarta, the journey takes on an even more charming atmosphere. This city, famous for its gudeg dish, is counted among Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations. Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple are iconic landmarks that are constantly visited by both Domestic Travellers and international tourists.

From Yogyakarta, the route proceeds to Klaten, which is known for its natural Water Tourism sites, locally called umbul. Umbul Ponggok and Umbul Manten are favourite stops for visitors wishing to enjoy the crystal clear natural spring waters.

The final stop of this train route is Solo Balapan Station, the main entry point to the city of Solo: one of Indonesia's top Premier Tourist Destinations. This cultural city offers a seamless blend of history, living traditions, arts, and modern urban life existing side by side.

Solo's popularity as a travel destination is backed by data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Surakarta City. The hotel occupancy rate for star-rated hotels reached 58.95% in December 2025, up from 53.88% recorded in October 2025. 

This data demonstrates the high public interest in visiting this city and experiencing all the attractions it has to offer.

Once arriving in Solo, tourists can visit iconic landmarks including Mangkunegaran Palace, Surakarta Sunanate Palace, Laweyan Batik Village, Kauman Batik Village, Balekambang Park, Gede Traditional Market, and the De Tjolomadoe heritage Tourism precinct. The city's many legendary local food spots are also an unmissable part of the travel experience in this city, also known as Kota Bengawan.

Travel to Solo has become even more comfortable, as since 9 December 2024 the KA Mataram fleet has been upgraded with New Generation Stainless Steel train carriages for both Economy and Executive class services. 

This upgrade brings a modern travel atmosphere, featuring elegant interior design, ergonomic seating, increased legroom, as well as seats that can be reclined and rotated to face the direction of travel.

These comfort improvements are an added bonus for travellers, allowing passengers to complete the long journey without feeling fatigued. With these upgraded modern facilities, the train ride itself has now become a core part of the holiday experience.

"KA Mataram connects our passengers with so many wonderful destinations across Java. Every city along this route has its own stories, culture, cuisine and unique tourist attractions. The journey itself becomes part of the travel experience", stated Anne Purba, Vice President of Corporate Communication at KAI.

For anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed, unrushed weekend getaway, KA Mataram offers far more than just transport. This train delivers a journey full of stories, travelling through historic cities and past ever-changing natural scenery.